Tug Valley has three qualify for state track meet

NAUGATUCK – The Tug Valley Panthers have three student athletes that qualified for the state track meet which starts Friday at Charleston’s Laidley Field.

It is only the second season for Tug Valley to compete in track and field. They are coached by Rachelle Smith.

The three who have qualified in Class Single A are senior Amber Linville in the shot put, freshman Cameron Baisden also in the shot put and Dylan Blair in the 800 meter run.

Smith said the Panthers competed in six different meets during the spring season and she is proud of the team. Tug Valley had eight students on the track team.

Smith is trying to build the program and having some athletes qualify for the state meet should spark more interest in the sport at Tug Valley.

“Amber didn’t want to compete in the shot put event,” Smith said. “I had to talk her into it.”

Linville was also a member of the Lady Panthers basketball squad. She not only competed, but will try to win or place in the state track meet. Her best throw this season was over 27 feet, according to Smith.

Blair may also have the chance to run well in the 800 meter run. He almost qualified in another event, just missing out.